Suresh Raina, a former Indian cricketer, was born on November 27, 1986, in Muradnagar, Uttar Pradesh. He earned recognition as a left-handed middle-order batsman and a part-time off-spinner. Raina gained acclaim for his aggressive batting approach and his knack for accumulating runs swiftly. Suresh Raina Biography.
Suresh Raina Biography. Notably, he also showcased proficiency as a fielder and occasionally contributed with his bowling. His versatility was evident as he frequently served as a sixth bowler for the Indian team, often securing crucial wickets. On September 6, 2022, Suresh Raina formally announced his retirement from all formats of cricket. The 35-year-old all-rounder shared this decision via a social media post. Renowned as a prominent figure in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Raina encountered an unexpected outcome at the mega auction earlier in 2022, failing to secure a buyer. It’s noteworthy that Raina had previously declared his retirement from International Cricket in 2020, an announcement that coincidentally came less than an hour after MS Dhoni’s announcement on August 15, 2022.
Suresh Raina Cricket Career
Suresh Raina recognized as one of India’s top T20 batsmen, burst onto the international scene as a prodigious talent under the tutelage of Greg Chappell. Demonstrating the quintessential grace of a left-hander, Raina was defined by his power-packed style and composed temperament. His maiden ODI appearance in 2005 showcased his potential, yet a dip in form followed by a significant injury posed challenges in 2007. Raina’s fortunes took an upturn with the advent of the IPL in 2008. Suresh Raina Biography.
Picked by the Chennai franchise, Raina’s splendid performance in the inaugural IPL season facilitated his return to the national squad. His role as a finisher added significant value to the team, often delivering vital cameos and augmenting substantial innings. His impact was especially notable during India’s golden ODI phase from 2008 to 2011, culminating in their World Cup victory.
Raina’s clutch performances shone in key matches such as the 2011 quarterfinal against Australia and the semifinal against Pakistan. These displays underscored his significance in pressure situations. His signature shots, like the lofted inside-out drive, exemplified his prowess during his prime. Although he thrived in white-ball cricket, translating the same effectiveness to Test matches proved challenging due to his struggles against pace and swing. Raina’s significance extended beyond his prowess, as he held the unique distinction of hitting a century across all three formats. Despite not excelling in red-ball cricket, his contributions in limited-overs formats greatly impacted Indian cricket. However, a hiatus from the national team resulted in an inconsistency of form in domestic cricket. Raina’s journey also faced setbacks due to fitness concerns, personal issues, and the emergence of new talents.
His resurgence in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy earned him a T20 international recall in 2018. He showcased commendable performances in South Africa, but fluctuations in fitness and others’ successes limited his appearances for the national side. His stint with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) showcased his prowess as the highest run-scorer in IPL history. Fondly called “Chinna Thala” by CSK fans, Raina’s fearless approach and audacious shots endeared him to cricket enthusiasts. His dual role as a handy right-arm off-spinner added versatility to his contributions. Notably, he also captained the Gujarat Lions during CSK’s hiatus and was retained upon their return. His enduring impact earned him the moniker “Mr. IPL,” aligning with his consistent dominance in the tournament.
On August 15, 2020, Suresh Raina, in tandem with former Indian captain MS Dhoni, declared his retirement from international cricket. Sharing the news via his official Instagram account, Raina explained that he believed it was time to “give opportunities to the youngsters.” While Raina had not been part of the Indian team since 2018, his contribution over the span of a decade remained significant. He showcased his talent in 226 international matches for India across diverse formats, accumulating a total of 7,776 runs, which included 1 century and 36 half-centuries.
Beyond his international endeavours, Raina remained active in domestic cricket, representing Uttar Pradesh, and also maintained his presence within the Chennai Super Kings squad for the 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Moreover, he channelled his efforts into philanthropy through the Gracia Raina Foundation, an initiative that aims to uplift underprivileged children and empower women in rural India. Suresh Raina’s financial portfolio primarily stems from his illustrious cricketing career, supplemented by brand endorsements and his involvement in philanthropic pursuits. His association with the Indian cricket team and various franchise teams in the IPL, along with his role as a recognizable face in advertising campaigns, has contributed to his earnings. Moreover, his commitment to philanthropy underscores his multifaceted contributions beyond the realm of cricket.
Suresh Raina Family
Suresh Raina, born on November 27, 1986, in Muradnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India, emerged from humble beginnings in a family facing financial constraints. His father, Trilok Chand Raina, an ex-military officer, envisioned a military career for his son, but Raina’s passion for cricket took precedence. Despite the initial challenges, he pursued cricket earnestly during his early adolescence. Suresh Raina Biography.
Raina’s educational journey led him to the Government Sports College in Lucknow, where he honed his cricketing skills. After graduating from the Uttar Pradesh Under-16 to the Under-19 team, he embarked on a cricketing path that culminated with his selection for the India Under-19 squad’s tour to England in 2002. Making his debut for the Uttar Pradesh senior team at the tender age of 16 in 2003, Raina’s performance in domestic tournaments further solidified his reputation. Recognizing Raina’s talent, national selectors welcomed him into the Indian cricket team in 2005. His ODI debut against Sri Lanka showcased his potential with a noteworthy half-century. However, a series of injuries and subsequent periods out of the national team posed challenges. Suresh Raina Biography.
Raina’s family, comprising his father Trilok Chand Raina, mother Parvesh Raina, brother Dinesh Raina, and sisters Renu Raina and Naresh Raina, provided unwavering support. His wife, Priyanka Chaudhary, whom he married in 2015, has been an integral part of his life. The couple’s daughter, Gracia Raina, brought immense joy to his life.
Despite limited information on his personal life, Raina’s cricketing journey, marked by resilience and determination, stands as a testament to his commitment. From facing hardships in his early years to becoming a renowned cricketer, Raina’s story is one of triumph and dedication.
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Suresh Raina Awards and Achievements
Suresh Raina’s playing style is characterized by his aggressive approach as a left-handed middle-order batsman, which yielded greater success in limited-overs formats compared to Test cricket. One of his notable vulnerabilities has been his struggle against short-pitched deliveries, an aspect that opposing teams often targeted to exploit. Suresh Raina Biography.
Raina’s achievements encompass several milestones in the realm of cricket. He became the pioneer Indian player to achieve both 6,000 and 8,000 runs in his Twenty20 career, a testament to his consistency. He holds the distinction of being the inaugural cricketer to amass 5,000 runs in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and boasts a record for the most catches (107) in the IPL. Additionally, he holds the remarkable record for the highest number of runs scored in the powerplay during an IPL match. Raina ranks second only to Chris Gayle and stands as the first Indian player to have struck 100 sixes in the IPL series. Raina’s cricketing journey commenced at a tender age, catching the attention of Indian selectors when he was part of the Uttar Pradesh under-16 team. This early recognition led him to represent India’s under-19 team during a tour of England, where he showcased his prowess by notching two half-centuries.
Among his accolades, Raina has etched his name in cricket history. He is the inaugural Indian cricketer to secure a century across all three formats: Tests, ODIs, and T20s. He also holds the distinction of being the second youngest player ever chosen as the Indian skipper. An intriguing record is his distinction for playing the most ODIs prior to making his Test debut. Moreover, he became the first player to accumulate 3,000 runs in the IPL, and he stands as the sole cricketer to score 400+ runs in each edition of the Indian Premier League until IPL 9 in 2016. Notably, he ranks as the first Indian and third globally to achieve a T20 International century, alongside Brendon McCullum and Chris Gayle.
